25 Nov 2019, Senator Tim Kaine, released a book titled ‘The Japji of Guru Nanak Ji, A New Translation with Commentary’ authored by a California cardiologist, Dr. Rupinder S. Brar and published by the Smithsonian Institution at a function held in Richmond, VA on November the 15th, 2019.
The function was organized by the Virginia Museum of History and Culture and the Sikh Association of Central Virginia to commemorate Guru Nanak’s 550th birth anniversary.
The Smithsonian is one of the most prestigious institutions in the United States. Tim Kaine is a Senior Senator and the former head of the Democratic National Party. He was also Hillary Clinton’s running mate in 2016.
The Smithsonian was represented by Paul Michael Taylor, the head of the Smithsonian Asian History and Cultural Program, who introduced the book’s author, Dr. Rupinder S. Brar. Senator Kaine congratulated the author and spoke about Guru Nanak’s universal message to humanity.
The function was attended by several other distinguished guests including Virginia congresswoman Abigail Spanberger who spoke about the Sikhs in America and a need for greater tolerance and diversity.